HEALTH BENEFITS OF SUNFLOWER | NSUNGPMAN ONLINE

INTRODUCTION

Helianthus Annus is a tall annual plant in the family Asteraceae under genus Helianthus consisting of about seventy (70) species originated from North America. The genus is one of many in the family that are known as Sunflower, except for three species native of South America. Sunflower has a large flower head (Capitulum) that contains faces of bright yellow petals and so occasionally red and brown centres that ripen into heavy heads filled with seeds. It can take up to 110 days to reach maturity period and can reach a height of 6-10 feet or more depending on the variety.

Sunflower seeds are the gift of the beautiful sunflower, a plant with rays of petals emanating from its bright yellow, seed-studded center. The sunflower's Latin scientific name, Helianthus annuus, reflects its solar appearance since helios is the Greek word for sun, and anthos is the Greek word for flower.

The sunflower produces grayish-green or black seeds encased in tear-dropped shaped gray or black shells that oftentimes feature black and white stripes. Since these seeds have very high oil content, they are one of the main sources used to produce polyunsaturated oil. Shelled sunflower seeds have a mild nutty taste and firm, but tender texture. Their taste is oftentimes compared with the Jerusalem artichoke (not to be confused with the bulb artichoke), another member of the Helianthus family.

While sunflowers are thought to have originated in Mexico and Peru, they are one of the first plants to ever be cultivated in the United States. They have been used for more than 5,000 years by the Native Americans, who not only used the seeds as a food and an oil source, but also used the flowers, roots and stems for varied purposes including as a dye pigment. The Spanish explorers brought sunflowers back to Europe, and after being first grown in Spain, they were subsequently introduced to other neighboring countries. Currently, sunflower oil is one of the most popular oils in the world. Today, the leading commercial producers of sunflower seeds include the Russian Federation, Peru, Argentina, Spain, France and China.

SOME ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF SUNFLOWER

The plant is being used as ornamentals, gardens, bouquets, medicinal, forage for bees, pollination and indoors decorations.

The seeds are used in cooking oil, biodiesel, margarine, cosmetics and animal feeds.

The bigger stripped seeds are grown for snacking and as an ingredient in bread and heath foods and for feeding birds.

The seeds are used for human consumption when roasted.

The stem are used as hatches

It is used as an excellent cut flowers

It is used in colouring of books

It is used in dyeing

The foam is used in making sofa

SOME HEALTH BENEFITS OF SUNFLOWER SEEDS

Anti-Inflammatory and Cardiovascular

Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of vitamin E, the body's primary fat-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin E travels throughout the body neutralizing free radicals that would otherwise damage fat-containing structures and molecules, such as cell membranes, brain cells, and cholesterol. By protecting these cellular and molecular components, vitamin E has significant anti-inflammatory effects that result in the reduction of symptoms in asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, conditions where free radicals and inflammation play a big role. Vitamin E has also been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer, help decrease the severity and frequency of hot flashes in women going through menopause, and help reduce the development of diabetic complications.

In addition, vitamin E plays an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and is one of the main antioxidants found in cholesterol particles and helps prevent free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol. Only after it has been oxidized is cholesterol able to adhere to blood vessel walls and initiate the process of atherosclerosis, which can lead to blocked arteries, heart attack, or stroke. Getting plenty of vitamin E can significantly reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis. In fact, studies show that people who get a good amount of vitamin E are at a much lower risk of dying of a heart attack than people whose dietary intake of vitamin E is marginal or inadequate.

Sunflower Seeds' Phytosterols Lower Cholesterol

Phytosterols are compounds found in plants that have a chemical structure very similar to cholesterol, and when present in the diet in sufficient amounts, are believed to reduce blood levels of cholesterol, enhance the immune response and decrease risk of certain cancers.

Phytosterols beneficial effects are so dramatic that they have been extracted from soybean, corn, and pine tree oil and added to processed foods, such as "butter"-replacement spreads, which are then touted as cholesterol-lowering "foods." But why settle for an imitation "butter" when Mother Nature's nuts and seeds are a naturally rich source of phytosterols—and cardio-protective fiber, minerals and healthy fats as well.

Calm the Nerves, Muscles and Blood Vessels

Sunflower seeds are a good source of magnesium which helps reduce the severity of asthma, lower high blood pressure, and prevent migraine headaches, as well as reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. It is also necessary for healthy bones and energy production. About two-thirds of the magnesium in the human body is found in our bones. Some helps give bones their physical structure, while the rest is found on the surface of the bone where it is stored for the body to draw upon as needed.

Improves Detoxification and Prevent Cancer

Sunflower seeds are also a good source of selenium, a trace mineral that is of fundamental importance to human health. Selenium induces DNA repair and synthesis in damaged cells, inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, and to induce their apoptosis, the self-destruct sequence the body uses to eliminate worn out or abnormal cells.

In addition, selenium is incorporated at the active site of many proteins, including glutathione peroxidase, which is particularly important for cancer protection. One of the body's most powerful antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase is used in the liver to detoxify a wide range of potentially harmful molecules. When levels of glutathione peroxidase are too low, these toxic molecules are not disarmed and wreak havoc on any cells with which they come in contact, damaging their cellular DNA and promoting the development of cancer cells. Its selenium richness is another reason that sunflower seeds can make a good snack.

SOME HEALTH BENEFITS OF SUNFLOWER OIL

Sunflower oil has a large number of benefits that help in keeping the body healthy and strong and it is gaining popularity as cooking oil due to its wide variety of health-enhancing nutrients. Some of the benefits are:

Lowers Cardiovascular Diseases

Sunflower oil is rich in Vitamin E and low in saturated fat. Besides, it is rich in certain phytochemicals like choline and phenolic acid that are beneficial to the heart. It also contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats along with vitamins that makes it one of the healthiest oils for consumption. High oleic sunflower oils contain 80% or more monounsaturated fats. Thus, sunflower oil helps in lowering cardiovascular diseases and chance of heart attack.

Prevents Arthritis

Sunflower oil is the ultimate solution for those having worries about developing arthritis. Sunflower oil helps in the prevention of rheumatoid arthritis.

Prevention of Asthma and Colon Cancer:

Sunflower oil contains more Vitamin E than any other cooking oil. Thus, incorporating this oil in your diet provides you protection against asthma and colon cancer.

Prevention of Other Cancers:

The carotenoids found in sunflower oil help in the prevention of uterine, lung and skin cancers. In addition, they provide a good source of Vitamin A and aid in preventing cataracts.

Lowers Cholesterol

The saturated fats found in other oils are difficult to break down completely during metabolism. Consequently, they are carried to different parts of the body by the blood and get deposited, thus increase bad cholesterol levels. This causes health problems like embolism, atherosclerosis, joint pains and birth defects. Sunflower oil is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which provide energy besides maintaining an ideal good cholesterol ratio in the body. It also contains lecithin which helps in lowering cholesterol level. This is because it sticks to your nerve and cell linings, thus preventing fat and cholesterol from sticking to the cell.

Fights Free Radicals:

Sunflower oil acts as an antioxidant as it is rich in Vitamin E or tocopherols that help in neutralizing the cancer-causing free radicals. The free radicals damage the cells and the immune system.

Repairs the Body

Sunflower oil also contains proteins, which are vital for building and repairing tissues and the production of hormones and enzymes. Our body requires high amounts of proteinsandsince the body does not store proteins, they have to be consumed, and sunflower oil fulfils this requirement.

Prevention of Infant Infection

Sunflower oil is useful in reducing the risk of infection in pre-term infants having low birth weight. The infants are more likely to suffer from infections because of underdeveloped immune system and organs such as the skin. Sunflower oil acts as a protective barrier and prevents such infection.

Promotes Healthy Nervous System:

The Vitamin B content of sunflower oil promotes a healthy nervous system, proper digestion and is a great source of energy.

Reduction of Cardiac Problems:

Sunflower oil contains selenium that is beneficial in reducing the risk of cardiac problems and hepatic degradation. A high level of selenium in the blood reduces the risk of lung and skin cancers.

Other Benefits

Folic acid found in sunflower oil helps in the manufacture of new cells while Magnesium prevents muscle cramps.

SKIN BENEFITS OF SUNFLOWER OIL

Sunflower oil is a natural and healthy way of maintaining a great skin due to its calming and emollient (moisturizing) properties. Being rich in nutrients and antioxidants, it is widely used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes and is found to be effective against acne, eczema, inflammation, general redness and irritation of the skin. Some of the benefits of sunflower oil for the skin are as follows:

Due to its emollient properties, sunflower oil helps the skin retain its moisture. Using sunflower oil as a lotion on the skin of pre-term infants’ acts as a protective barrier and massaging them with this oil helps in reducing skin infection. Hence, sunflower oil can be used in their daily skincare.

Sunflower oil is extremely high in Vitamin E in comparison to other skincare products like almond oil or shea butter. Vitamin E is essential for preventing damage to the skin cells by the ultraviolet light from the sun. itimproves the appearance and health of the skin by preventing scarring and smoothing of existing wrinkles.

Sunflower oil is also rich in vitamins A, C and D and healthy carotenoids and waxes which form a protective barrier on the skin. Thus, it is effective in the treatment of acne. Being exceptionally light and non-greasy, it gets absorbed into the skin easily, without clogging or blocking the pores. Its range of vitamins and fatty acids act as antioxidants to regenerate the skin cells and help the skin get rid of acne causing bacteria.

Beta-carotene is a richly pigmented, fat-soluble compound that can be converted into Vitamin Aand its antioxidant properties are beneficial for the appearance of your health and skin. Sunflower oil is an excellent source of beta-carotene. Consumption of this compound makes your skin less sensitive to the sun. The antioxidants in it neutralize the free radicals that penetrate your skin, causing sunburn and other types of sun damage such as skin cancer.

The antioxidant properties of sunflower oil help in preventing premature signs of aging. The exposure to free radicals and sunlight increases the rate of aging of skin, causing the occurrence of wrinkles and fine lines at an early age. The antioxidants in sunflower oil lower the risk of developing premature signs of aging.

Being naturally emollient, sunflower oil improves your skin’s moisture retention capacity and is beneficial for individuals with dry, dehydrated or sensitive skin.

Sunflower seed oil is an oil of a fine quality as it is light in texture and extremely suitable for eye and skin care. It is suitable to dry skin and is increasingly used in aromatherapy because of its mild scent and light texture. It is used in skin products and creates a soft feel on the skin.

SOME HAIR BENEFITS OF SUNFLOWER OIL

Just like the skin, sunflower oil has a moisturizing effect on your hair as well. A wide array of nutrients and antioxidants together with essential fatty acids make it extremely beneficial for your hair. Following are the benefits of sunflower oil to hair.

Due to its light texture and mild flavor, sunflower oil softens the hair and adds a delightful sheen to it. Sunflower seed oil helps to control frizz, tackles dryness and damage and makes your hair manageable. This versatile oil maintains your hair’s luster and texture and can be used as a natural conditioner. It can be applied and massaged on your scalp before a bath once a week for maximum benefits.

Being extremely light, sunflower oil helps in conditioning greasy hair. It nourishes the hair and prevents breakage.

Sunflower oil helps in preventing thinning of hair. It is also effective in the treatment of hair-loss, baldness and alopecia areata, characterized by round patches of lost hair.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE SUNFLOWER OIL

Sunflower seed oil is considered as one of the healthiest oils due to its variety of health-enhancing nutrients. This oil is rich in vitamins E, B1, B5, B6 and C in addition to minerals like copper, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium. Folate, potassium, calcium, riboflavin, iron and niacin found in sunflower seed oil make it an extremely healthy choice with several health benefits.

There are basically three varieties of sunflower oil with different combinations of fatty acids. These are linoleic, high oleic and NuSun. The difference in the three varieties can be attributed to the different percentages of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated fats. All of these are low in saturated fats and thus, extremely nutritious. The nutritional profile of sunflower oil is explained below.

Fats: Sunflower oil is low in saturated fats and high in healthier, unsaturated fats. Linoleic sunflower oil has a high content of polyunsaturated fats, particularly omega-6 fatty acids that are involved in processes such as building strong hair and healing wounds. High oleic sunflower oil mostly comprises of monounsaturated fat omega-9 that is helpful for preserving memory, preventing cancer and reducing the blood pressure. NuSun, being a combination of oleic and linoleic oils, can withstand extremely high cooking temperatures and does not form trans-fats.
Low Cholesterol: Consumption of sunflower oil can result in lower levels of bad cholesterol thus, provides protection from heart disease. It can also be used as a substitute for saturated fats for reducing unhealthy cholesterol levels.
Antioxidants and Phytochemicals:Antioxidants and phytochemicals provide protection against diseases by fighting the free radicals. Sunflower oil comprises of a variety of antioxidants and phytochemicals such as Vitamin E, betaine, phenolic acid, choline arginine and lignans. These have the capability to fight against cancers, boost memory and promote cardiovascular health. High levels of antioxidants and phytochemicals make sunflower oil an excellent option for boosting the nutrient content of foods that are cooked or baked in it.

Due to its wide range of benefits for health, skin and hair, Sunflower oil is considered as one of the healthiest oils and is generally preferred over other heavier oils like coconut, almond, safflower and olive oils.

HOW TO PLANT, GROW AND CARE FOR SUNFLOWERS

Sunflowers grow best in locations with direct sun (6 to 8 hours per day); they prefer long, hot summers to flower well.
Sunflowers have long tap roots which need to stretch out hence the plants prefer well-dug, loose, well-draining soil.
Find a well-drained location, and prepare your soil by digging an area of about 2-3 feet in circumference to a depth of about 2 feet.
Though they’re not too fussy, sunflowers thrive in slightly acidic to somewhat alkaline.
Sunflowers are heavy feeders so the soil needs to be nutrient-rich with organic matter or composted (aged) manure.

PLANTING SUNFLOWER SEEDS

Give plants plenty of room, especially for low-growing varieties that will branch out. Make rows about 30 – 40 inches apart.
Plant the large seeds not more than 1 inch deep about 6 inches apart after it has thoroughly warmed. You can plant multiple seeds and thin them to the strongest contenders when the plants are six inches tall.
A light application of fertilizer mixed in at planting time will encourage strong root growth to protect them from blowing over in the wind.
If you see birds scratching around for the seeds, spread netting over the planted area until seeds germinates.

CARE

While the plant is small, water around the root zone. To protect the plant, put snail or slug bait around the site.
Once the plant is established, water deeply though infrequently to encourage deep rooting. Unless the weather is exceptionally wet or dry, water once a week with several gallons of water.
Feed plants only sparingly; over fertilization can cause stems to break in the fall. You can add diluted fertilizer into the water, though avoid getting the fertilizer near the plant’s base;

PESTS/DISEASES

Birdsand squirrels will show interest in the seeds. If you plan to use the seeds, deter critters with barrier devices. As seed heads mature and flowers drop, you can cover each one with white polyspun garden fleece.
Sunflowers are relatively insect-free. A small gray moth sometimes lays its eggs in the blossoms. Pick the worms from the plants.
Downy mildew,rust, and powdery mildew can also affect the plants. If fungal diseases are spotted early, spray with a general garden fungicide.

HARVEST/STORAGE

For indoor bouquets, cut the main stem just before its flower bud has a chance to open to encourage side blooms.
Cut stems early in the morning. Harvesting flowers during middle of the day may lead to flower wilting.
Handle sunflowers gently. The flowers should last at least a week in water at room temperature.
Arrange sunflowers in tall containers that provide good support for their heavy heads.

HARVESTING SUNFLOWER SEEDS

To harvest seeds, keep an eye out for ripeness. The back of the flower head will turn from green to yellow and the bracts will begin to dry and turn brown; this happens about 30 to 45 days after bloom and seed moisture is about 35%. Generally, when the head turns brown on the back, seeds are usually ready for harvest.
Cut the head off the plant (about 4 inches below the flower head) and remove the seeds with your fingers or a fork.
To protect the seeds from birds, you can cover the flowers with a light fabric such as cheesecloth and a rubber band. Or, you can cut the flower head early and hang the heads upside down until the seeds are dry; hang indoors or in a place that’s safe from birds and mice.

CONCLUSION

In view of the potentials and benefits of Sunflower, its massive production by the Youths will no doubt reduce the unemployment rate in the country thereby increasing the foreign exchange earnings of the country.

I therefore appeal to the various levels of Government to support the Association in particular and the Youths in general in this regard.

REFERENCES

The Old Farmer’s Almanac
Wikipedia (2017). The free encyclopedia in en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/helianthus (Accessed 17/6/2017)

SUNFLOWERFARMING: IMPLICATIONS FOR ANIMAL FEED PRODUCTION AND YOUTH EMPLOWER

BEING A PAPER PRESENTED

JIBRIN K. BUKAR

NATIONAL PRESIDENT

SUNFLOWER GROWERS, PROCESSORS AND MARKETERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

AT A SPECIAL/STAKEHOLDERS SEMINAR ORGANIZED BY THE NATIONAL ANIMAL PRODUCTION RESEARCH INSTITUTE (NAPRI), SHIKA, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA

TUESDAY, 15^TH AUGUST, 2015

INTRODUCTION

SOME ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF SUNFLOWER

The plant is being used as ornamentals, gardens, bouquets, medicinal, forage for bees, pollination and indoors decorations.

The seeds are used in cooking oil, biodiesel, margarine, cosmetics and animal feeds.

The bigger stripped seeds are grown for snacking and as an ingredient in bread and heath foods and for feeding birds.

The seeds are used for human consumption when roasted.

The stem are used as hatches

It is used as an excellent cut flowers

It is used in colouring of books

It is used in dyeing

The foam is used in making sofa

SOME HEALTH BENEFITS OF SUNFLOWER SEEDS

Anti-Inflammatory and Cardiovascular

Sunflower Seeds' Phytosterols Lower Cholesterol

Calm the Nerves, Muscles and Blood Vessels

Improves Detoxification and Prevent Cancer

SOME HEALTH BENEFITS OF SUNFLOWER OIL

Lowers Cardiovascular Diseases

Prevents Arthritis

Sunflower oil is the ultimate solution for those having worries about developing arthritis. Sunflower oil helps in the prevention of rheumatoid arthritis.

Prevention of Asthma and Colon Cancer:

Sunflower oil contains more Vitamin E than any other cooking oil. Thus, incorporating this oil in your diet provides you protection against asthma and colon cancer.

Prevention of Other Cancers:

The carotenoids found in sunflower oil help in the prevention of uterine, lung and skin cancers. In addition, they provide a good source of Vitamin A and aid in preventing cataracts.

Lowers Cholesterol

The saturated fats found in other oils are difficult to break down completely during metabolism. Consequently, they are carried to different parts of the body by the blood and get deposited, thus increasebad cholesterol levels. This causes health problems like embolism, atherosclerosis, joint pains and birth defects. Sunflower oil is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which provide energy besides maintaining an ideal good cholesterol ratio in the body. It also contains lecithin which helps in lowering cholesterol level. This is because it sticks to your nerve and cell linings, thus preventing fat and cholesterol from sticking to the cell.

Fights Free Radicals:

Sunflower oil acts as an antioxidant as it is rich in Vitamin E or tocopherols that help in neutralizing the cancer-causing free radicals. The free radicals damage the cells and the immune system.

Repairs the Body

Prevention of Infant Infection

Promotes Healthy Nervous System:

The Vitamin B content of sunflower oil promotes a healthy nervous system, proper digestion and is a great source of energy.

Reduction of Cardiac Problems:

Sunflower oil contains selenium that is beneficial in reducing the risk of cardiac problems and hepatic degradation. A high level of selenium in the blood reduces the risk of lung and skin cancers.

Other Benefits

Folic acid found in sunflower oil helps in the manufacture of new cells while Magnesium prevents muscle cramps.

SKIN BENEFITS OF SUNFLOWER OIL

Sunflower oil is extremely high in Vitamin Ein comparison to other skincare products like almond oil or shea butter. Vitamin E is essential for preventing damage to the skin cells by the ultraviolet light from the sun. itimproves the appearance and health of the skin by preventing scarring and smoothing of existing wrinkles.
Sunflower oil is also rich in vitamins A, C and D and healthy carotenoids and waxes which form a protective barrier on the skin. Thus, it is effective in the treatment of acne. Being exceptionally light and non-greasy, it gets absorbed into the skin easily, without clogging or blocking the pores. Its range of vitamins and fatty acids act as antioxidants to regenerate the skin cells and help the skin get rid of acne causing bacteria.
Beta-carotene is a richly pigmented, fat-soluble compound that can be converted into Vitamin Aand its antioxidant properties are beneficial for the appearance of your health and skin. Sunflower oil is an excellent source of beta-carotene. Consumption of this compound makes your skin less sensitive to the sun. The antioxidants in it neutralize the free radicals that penetrate your skin, causing sunburn and other types of sun damage such as skin cancer.
The antioxidant properties of sunflower oil help in preventing premature signs of aging. The exposure to free radicals and sunlight increases the rate of aging of skin, causing the occurrence of wrinkles and fine lines at an early age. The antioxidants in sunflower oil lower the risk of developing premature signs of aging.
Being naturally emollient, sunflower oil improves your skin’s moisture retention capacity and is beneficial for individuals with dry, dehydrated or sensitive skin.
Sunflower seed oil is an oil of a fine quality as it is light in texture and extremely suitable for eye and skin care. It is suitable to dry skin and is increasingly used in aromatherapy because of its mild scent and light texture. It is used in skin products and creates a soft feel on the skin.

SOME HAIR BENEFITS OF SUNFLOWER OIL

Due to its light texture and mild flavor, sunflower oil softens the hair and adds a delightful sheen to it. Sunflower seed oil helps to control frizz, tackles dryness and damage and makes your hair manageable. This versatile oil maintains your hair’s luster and texture and can be used as a natural conditioner. It can be applied and massaged on your scalp before a bath once a week for maximum benefits.
Being extremely light, sunflower oil helps in conditioning greasy hair. It nourishes the hair and prevents breakage.
Sunflower oil helps inpreventing thinning of hair. It is also effective in the treatment of hair-loss, baldness and alopecia areata, characterized by round patches of lost hair.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE SUNFLOWER OIL

Fats: Sunflower oil is low in saturated fats and high in healthier, unsaturated fats. Linoleic sunflower oil has a high content of polyunsaturated fats, particularly omega-6 fatty acids that are involved in processes such as building strong hair and healing wounds. High oleic sunflower oil mostly comprises of monounsaturated fat omega-9 that is helpful for preserving memory, preventing cancer and reducing the blood pressure. NuSun, being a combination of oleic and linoleic oils, can withstand extremely high cooking temperatures and does not form trans-fats.
Low Cholesterol: Consumption of sunflower oil can result in lower levels of bad cholesterol thus, provides protection from heart disease. It can also be used as a substitute for saturated fats for reducing unhealthy cholesterol levels.

Antioxidants and Phytochemicals:Antioxidants and phytochemicals provide protection against diseases by fighting the free radicals. Sunflower oil comprises of a variety of antioxidants and phytochemicals such as Vitamin E, betaine, phenolic acid, choline arginine and lignans. These have the capability to fight against cancers, boost memory and promote cardiovascular health. High levels of antioxidants and phytochemicals make sunflower oil an excellent option for boosting the nutrient content of foods that are cooked or baked in it.

HOW TO PLANT, GROW AND CARE FOR SUNFLOWERS

Sunflowers grow best in locations with direct sun (6 to 8 hours per day); they prefer long, hot summers to flower well.
Sunflowers have long tap roots which need to stretch out hence the plants prefer well-dug, loose, well-draining soil.
Find a well-drained location, and prepare your soil by digging an area of about 2-3 feet in circumference to a depth of about 2 feet.
Though they’re not too fussy, sunflowers thrive in slightly acidic to somewhat alkaline.
Sunflowers are heavy feeders so the soil needs to be nutrient-rich with organic matter or composted (aged) manure.

PLANTING SUNFLOWER SEEDS

Give plants plenty of room, especially for low-growing varieties that will branch out. Make rows about 30 – 40 inches apart.
Plant the large seeds not more than 1 inch deep about 6 inches apart after it has thoroughly warmed. You can plant multiple seeds and thin them to the strongest contenders when the plants are six inches tall.
A light application of fertilizer mixed in at planting time will encourage strong root growth to protect them from blowing over in the wind.
If you see birds scratching around for the seeds, spread netting over the planted area until seeds germinates.

CARE

While the plant is small, water around the root zone. To protect the plant, put snail or slug bait around the site.
Once the plant is established, water deeply though infrequently to encourage deep rooting. Unless the weather is exceptionally wet or dry, water once a week with several gallons of water.
Feed plants only sparingly; over fertilization can cause stems to break in the fall. You can add diluted fertilizer into the water, though avoid getting the fertilizer near the plant’s base;

PESTS/DISEASES

Birdsand squirrels will show interest in the seeds. If you plan to use the seeds, deter critters with barrier devices. As seed heads mature and flowers drop, you can cover each one with white polyspun garden fleece.
Sunflowers are relatively insect-free. A small gray moth sometimes lays its eggs in the blossoms. Pick the worms from the plants.
Downy mildew,rust, and powdery mildew can also affect the plants. If fungal diseases are spotted early, spray with a general garden fungicide.

HARVEST/STORAGE

For indoor bouquets, cut the main stem just before its flower bud has a chance to open to encourage side blooms.
Cut stems early in the morning. Harvesting flowers during middle of the day may lead to flower wilting.
Handle sunflowers gently. The flowers should last at least a week in water at room temperature.
Arrange sunflowers in tall containers that provide good support for their heavy heads.

HARVESTING SUNFLOWER SEEDS

To harvest seeds, keep an eye out for ripeness. The back of the flower head will turn from green to yellow and the bracts will begin to dry and turn brown; this happens about 30 to 45 days after bloom and seed moisture is about 35%. Generally, when the head turns brown on the back, seeds are usually ready for harvest.
Cut the head off the plant (about 4 inches below the flower head) and remove the seeds with your fingers or a fork.
To protect the seeds from birds, you can cover the flowers with a light fabric such as cheesecloth and a rubber band. Or, you can cut the flower head early and hang the heads upside down until the seeds are dry; hang indoors or in a place that’s safe from birds and mice.